Vase life and physiological reaction of oriental lilium 'Casa Blanca' to silicon as a quasi-essential element under soilless cultivation system

This experiment was conducted because of soil elimination as an important source of silicon (Si) (as a quasi-essential element) in soilless cultivation systems and also low information about Si effects on lilium cut flower. Accordingly, after transferring the Lilium longiflorum 'Casa Blanca' bulbs to pots containing coco-fiber media, plants were fed with a nutrient solution containing different silicic acid concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/L Si). Physiological characteristics and postharvest quality of harvested flowers were evaluated based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications. Based on the results, compared with control, Si application significantly increased water uptake, flower longevity, total chlorophyll, solution uptake, relative water content and mineral uptake (K, Ca and Si) and reduced the ion leakage. Accordingly, the maximum water uptake (0.6 ml/g FW/day), vase life (11.11 days), total chlorophyll content (0.97 mg/g FW), leaf calcium (2.9 %) and silicon content (3.1 %) were observed in 150 ppm Si concentration. Based on results of the present study, addition of silicon to the lilium nutrient solution led to the improvement of plant water relations, postharvest quality indices, mineral absorption and, consequently, increasing the flower longevity of lilium 'Casa Blanca’cultivar.